This was a fine light read, but not particularly memorable. ( )

This was a fine light read, but not particularly memorable. ( )

as far as i can tell, and while the depths and degrees vary, everyone is broken in some way. sometimes in many ways. if we are lucky we have grit, a good sense of humour, and, maybe, support from others as we try and navigate our lives (while mitigating the damages as best we can). this all sounds very dark and heavy, i know... but: remember the humour! and if you are tuned into these facts about those around you, there is a sensitivity and kindness about you so very much needed in this world.

so - that is what whispers through a megaphone is about. i found this to be a great read, and an impressive debut novel. the story is insightful, i enjoyed the quirk factor, and i think the character of miriam will stick with me for quite some time. there is a bit of a twist near the end, which was peculiar, but added yet another example of how thoughtless, careless, hurtful and cruel people can be. and did certainly leave me wondering what would have happened had frances and the headmaster not had that final encounter. my only criticism, or disappointment, with the novel has to do with the character of sadie, and the storyline between her and ralph. it fairly dwindled off in regards to sadie's arc, which felt odd to me given she was an alternating voice for most of the book. but this is a minor quibble, really.

this is another novel that landed on my reading radar thanks to the 2016 baileys women's prize for fiction, and i am so glad it did!

interview with rachel elliott: http://bookanista.com/rachel-elliott/ ( )